what to do when i make a mistake
how much info do i give the students
Hi Leroy,
Mistakes are bound to happen. Admit them, show correction, and move on.
Patrica
Mistakes made in class, can be laughed at and enjoyed by both student and instructor. Mistakes can show both human side of instructor and the rapid thought process vs actual transfer of thoughts to the board. Audio visual equipment should be considered if mistakes are excessive.
Hi Yan,
We all make mistakes, reacting from the mistake in an appropriate manner is just as important as trying not to make a mistake.
Patricia
I believe that if we make mistake, it's an opportunity for us to show our students how they should act in similar situations. It is part of professional integrity, which we must teach our students.
Hi Melissa,
It is better to admit than to try to fluff things. Students can see right through you when you are trying to make up something on the spot.
Patricia
I admit that I don't know everything :)
Admitting the mistake, apologizing and making it right gives the student a good example of how to handle mistakes that may occur in his/her own career. We are all human. Learning how to handle mistakes is part of education, too.
Hi Carlos,
No one likes anyone who bluffs them. Students will certainly have more respect for you for your honesty and ownership when it comes to making a mistake.
Patricia
I agree. Also if students see that we are human and own up to our own mistakes, they will value our honesty and possibly trust us more.
Hi Darlisa,
That's right, simply admit when you don't know and find the answer as soon as possible, hopefully by the next class meeting to share with the students.
Patricia
Admit that you made a mistake. I have made mistakes before or not known an answer to a question asked by a student. I maintain integrity by admitting that I don't know or have made a mistake, I then research and present the correct information to them during our next class session.
Hi Amy,
Students know when we are bluffing. Own up to your mistake and move on. You are right, they will respect you if you admit a mistake was made.
Patricia
In the past I have taught Medical Terminology. In my class, correct spelling of the terms is a MUST. However, when doing board work, there are times that in my haste, I myself, have mispelled a word. Thus the creation of what I call "gotcha!" points. If a student catches me in the mispelling of a word...they earn a "gotcha!" point. It is really amusing to see how much they enjoy catching the instructor making a mistake and they yell out "Gotcha!". I have also purposely misspelled words on quizzes to see if anyone will catch the mistake. I do believe in owning up to one's mistakes, but this method not only keeps the student's on their toes, but has helped me to save face at times.
Hi Jennifer,
Great way to handle a mistake! It is easy, accept it, correct it, and move forward.
Patricia
I just own it, apologize and take time to be sure they understand the mistake, what the outcome was/would have been, how to do it correctly and move on.
I agree. We are not perfect and will make mistakes. If it is handled well, I think the students actually build more of a rapport with you after.
I appologize, acknowledge the mistake and use humor to ease anxiety. Students respect instructors who admit when they have erred. This behavior lends itself to creating mutual respect.
Hi Nicole,
What do you typically do when you make a mistake in the classroom?
Patricia
